Suspension Springs, struts, coilovers, sway-bars, camber plates, and all other modifications to suspension components for Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S (R56), and Cabrio (R57) MINIs.

Suspension Installed KW V2's on GP2

Old Dec 7, 2013 | 12:58 PM
  #1  
MarioKart's Avatar
MarioKart
Thread Starter
|
Vendor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 117
From: Ventura, CA
Installed KW V2's on GP2

Took me awhile to figure out what Coilover system to replace my stock Bils/H&R GP2 Coilovers. I wanted a system that went lower and rode nice because this is my daily driver. I chose the KW V2's and I love them. Easy to install and set up, but I am going to go with some custom SWIFT springs next month. Here are some pix. I do admit the front CF lip can make it challenging to get out of my own house)

Sent from my iPhone Office
 
Attached Thumbnails Installed KW V2's on GP2-image-3557571747.jpg   Installed KW V2's on GP2-image-3510034946.jpg   Installed KW V2's on GP2-image-2450748476.jpg   Installed KW V2's on GP2-image-578274346.jpg   Installed KW V2's on GP2-image-3147802148.jpg  

__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2013 | 03:47 PM
  #2  
KilmerPT's Avatar
KilmerPT
5th Gear
10 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 645
Likes: 2
It looks fantastic Mario!

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring
 
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2013 | 04:15 PM
  #3  
WayMotorWorks's Avatar
WayMotorWorks
Vendor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 10,621
Likes: 802
From: Atlanta, GA
FYI our TSW spec KW's V2 come with custom linear springs on them, that could have saved you the trouble of taking them back off and the expense of buying more springs.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/kw-vari...r55-56-57.html
 
__________________

HOTCHKIS | DDM | CRAVEN | AKRAPOVIC | NM ENGINEERING | MEGAN | FORGE | OS GIKEN | POWERFLEX and more


Reply
Old Dec 7, 2013 | 05:41 PM
  #4  
jibber11's Avatar
jibber11
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 318
Likes: 1
From: New Lenox il
Looks cool

Which wheels and splitter is that?
 
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2013 | 07:08 PM
  #5  
afadeev's Avatar
afadeev
6th Gear
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 7
From: NYC
Originally Posted by MarioKart
Took me awhile to figure out what Coilover system to replace my stock Bils/H&R GP2 Coilovers. I wanted a system that went lower and rode nice because this is my daily driver. I chose the KW V2's and I love them. Easy to install and set up, but I am going to go with some custom SWIFT springs next month. Here are some pix. I do admit the front CF lip can make it challenging to get out of my own house)
Watch out for those a-corns!

What rate (and length - 7"?) springs are you after?
I assume fronts only, since rears (8" long 230 in/lbs) are on the stiff end of TC Kline (renown BMW/MINI race shop) recommended setup: http://www.tcklineracing.com/webdocs...Details689.cfm


a

P.S.: IIRC, Way also plays with KW spring rages, but doesn't tell anyone what his preferred setup is.
P.P.S.: I have a set of KW v3s ready to go on the car, though I wont dare go that low on NJ/NY roads.
 
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2013 | 07:28 PM
  #6  
MarioKart's Avatar
MarioKart
Thread Starter
|
Vendor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 117
From: Ventura, CA
Originally Posted by jibber11
Looks cool Which wheels and splitter is that?
Thanks buddy 18" NM REs12 wheels and M7 CF lip

Sent from my iPhone Office
 
__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2013 | 07:28 PM
  #7  
MarioKart's Avatar
MarioKart
Thread Starter
|
Vendor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 117
From: Ventura, CA
Originally Posted by afadeev
Watch out for those a-corns! What rate (and length - 7"?) springs are you after? I assume fronts only, since rears (8" long 230 in/lbs) are on the stiff end of TC Kline (renown BMW/MINI race shop) recommended setup: http://www.tcklineracing.com/webdocs...Details689.cfm a P.S.: IIRC, Way also plays with KW spring rages, but doesn't tell anyone what his preferred setup is. P.P.S.: I have a set of KW v3s ready to go on the car, though I wont dare go that low on NJ/NY roads.
Not quite sure what Swift springs I'm going to pick, but they will be more on the

Sent from my iPhone Office
 
__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2013 | 07:30 PM
  #8  
MarioKart's Avatar
MarioKart
Thread Starter
|
Vendor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 117
From: Ventura, CA
Originally Posted by afadeev
Watch out for those a-corns! What rate (and length - 7"?) springs are you after? I assume fronts only, since rears (8" long 230 in/lbs) are on the stiff end of TC Kline (renown BMW/MINI race shop) recommended setup: http://www.tcklineracing.com/webdocs...Details689.cfm a P.S.: IIRC, Way also plays with KW spring rages, but doesn't tell anyone what his preferred setup is. P.P.S.: I have a set of KW v3s ready to go on the car, though I wont dare go that low on NJ/NY roads.
Not quite sure what Swift springs I'm going to pick, but they will be more of a Daily Driver set up. Girlfriend friendly!

Sent from my iPhone Office
 
__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2013 | 09:58 PM
  #9  
Mindspin311's Avatar
Mindspin311
5th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 734
Likes: 3
From: Roswell, GA
I thought standard KWv2s came with the wider, progress rate springs up front? Your pics show the constant diameter springs along with the helper springs.

Way, can you confirm?
 

Last edited by Mindspin311; Dec 7, 2013 at 10:05 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2013 | 02:30 AM
  #10  
MarioKart's Avatar
MarioKart
Thread Starter
|
Vendor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 117
From: Ventura, CA
Originally Posted by Mindspin311
I thought standard KWv2s came with the wider, progress rate springs up front? Your pics show the constant diameter springs along with the helper springs. Way, can you confirm?
I think you might be right. I called KW about my V2's and they told me the fronts are progressive at 299lb and ride height. I wonder why mine don't have that tapered look?

Sent from my iPhone Office
 
__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2013 | 03:53 AM
  #11  
minsanity's Avatar
minsanity
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 25
Progressive springs don't have to be tapered. Coil winding distance just isn't uniform.
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2013 | 05:27 AM
  #12  
Green Flash's Avatar
Green Flash
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 133
Likes: 4
Great Information

MarioKart,

Thanks for taking the time to share your experieces - complete with photos. Many of your posts are filled with information that can help other MINIacs with decisions on their cars. Wish more people would share dyno data as you have done in another thread.

There are many suspension systems on the market, aimed at meeting different expectations. Saw one MINI with 450 lb springs on the rear - much, much too stiff for a daily drive. I, too, would like to improve the handling, but keep a decent ride.

Your MINI is looking and performing great. Keep us informed. Thanks
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2013 | 09:19 AM
  #13  
countryboyshane's Avatar
countryboyshane
6th Gear
iTrader: (9)
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 8
From: Bloomfield, MI
Bravo. You're doing it right. That's what should have came with the GP2 from the start. No more terrible wheel gap and now you've got much better suspension Now the GP2 looks like a racer instead of a daily driver
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2013 | 03:23 PM
  #14  
MarioKart's Avatar
MarioKart
Thread Starter
|
Vendor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 117
From: Ventura, CA
Originally Posted by Green Flash
MarioKart, Thanks for taking the time to share your experieces - complete with photos. Many of your posts are filled with information that can help other MINIacs with decisions on their cars. Wish more people would share dyno data as you have done in another thread. There are many suspension systems on the market, aimed at meeting different expectations. Saw one MINI with 450 lb springs on the rear - much, much too stiff for a daily drive. I, too, would like to improve the handling, but keep a decent ride. Your MINI is looking and performing great. Keep us informed. Thanks
Thanks GreenFlash,
These cars are very addicting, but the forum information is a little lacking. I guess I'm used to 1000hp Cadilac's and the BMW world, where there is endless amounts of information and risk takers. I hope I'm can contribute to all of our Mini addiction .
Send me a PM and I will let you know how the car drives as a Daily Driver.
Btw here is my Caddy and my old M6
Thanks again
Mario

Sent from my iPhone Office
 
Attached Thumbnails Installed KW V2's on GP2-image-1632243647.jpg   Installed KW V2's on GP2-image-4020195239.jpg  
__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2013 | 07:48 PM
  #15  
batdevice_'s Avatar
batdevice_
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC.
Nice car! Looks great. I love the wheels.
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2013 | 08:50 PM
  #16  
WayMotorWorks's Avatar
WayMotorWorks
Vendor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 10,621
Likes: 802
From: Atlanta, GA
Originally Posted by Mindspin311
I thought standard KWv2s came with the wider, progress rate springs up front? Your pics show the constant diameter springs along with the helper springs.

Way, can you confirm?
Yes the KW V2s from KW or any other online site come with progressive springs.
The ones on our site are the smaller constant diameter because they are linear.
What is on this car I can't tell ad we can't see the top of the front springs.
 
__________________

HOTCHKIS | DDM | CRAVEN | AKRAPOVIC | NM ENGINEERING | MEGAN | FORGE | OS GIKEN | POWERFLEX and more


Reply
Old Dec 8, 2013 | 09:12 PM
  #17  
MarioKart's Avatar
MarioKart
Thread Starter
|
Vendor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 117
From: Ventura, CA
Originally Posted by WayMotorWorks
Yes the KW V2s from KW or any other online site come with progressive springs. The ones on our site are the smaller constant diameter because they are linear. What is on this car I can't tell ad we can't see the top of the front springs.
I will take better pix and try to get some numbers. I wonder why mine are different?

Sent from my iPhone Office
 
__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2013 | 09:28 PM
  #18  
MarioKart's Avatar
MarioKart
Thread Starter
|
Vendor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 117
From: Ventura, CA
Originally Posted by WayMotorWorks
Yes the KW V2s from KW or any other online site come with progressive springs. The ones on our site are the smaller constant diameter because they are linear. What is on this car I can't tell ad we can't see the top of the front springs.
I did buy them used, from and the guy just told me he purchased them from Way Motor Works. So the question is, do you change both the front and rear springs? So if I want something more DD and cushy, should I try a different springs?
Thanks and mystery solved
Mario

Sent from my iPhone Office
 
__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2014 | 12:08 PM
  #19  
andyroo's Avatar
andyroo
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 33
From: Baltimore, MD
Originally Posted by MarioKart
I did buy them used, from and the guy just told me he purchased them from Way Motor Works. So the question is, do you change both the front and rear springs? So if I want something more DD and cushy, should I try a different springs?
Thanks and mystery solved
Mario

Sent from my iPhone Office
Those are definitely linear springs with a helper, so they probably are Way's version.

IMO if you want something more DD and cushy, you should raise the car because you are slammed too low for ride and handling.

- Andy
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2014 | 02:58 PM
  #20  
MarioKart's Avatar
MarioKart
Thread Starter
|
Vendor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 117
From: Ventura, CA
Originally Posted by andyroo
Those are definitely linear springs with a helper, so they probably are Way's version. IMO if you want something more DD and cushy, you should raise the car because you are slammed too low for ride and handling. - Andy
The car rides better than the stock C/O and handle incredible. No bump steer and alignment. Is near perfect.

Sent from my iPhone Office
 
__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2014 | 11:02 AM
  #21  
andyroo's Avatar
andyroo
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 33
From: Baltimore, MD
Originally Posted by MarioKart
The car rides better than the stock C/O and handle incredible. No bump steer and alignment. Is near perfect.

Sent from my iPhone Office
Good to hear. KWs are good stuff. It would get better with a little more ride height and I don't know that changing springs would have as much of a difference in comparison.

- Andy
 
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2014 | 08:36 PM
  #22  
MarioKart's Avatar
MarioKart
Thread Starter
|
Vendor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 117
From: Ventura, CA
Originally Posted by andyroo
Good to hear. KWs are good stuff. It would get better with a little more ride height and I don't know that changing springs would have as much of a difference in comparison. - Andy
It's damn low!!

Sent from my iPhone Office
 
Attached Thumbnails Installed KW V2's on GP2-image-4096985024.jpg   Installed KW V2's on GP2-image-1054935432.jpg  
__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2014 | 05:56 PM
  #23  
squawSkiBum's Avatar
squawSkiBum
Moderator
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 341
From: San Francisco Bay Area
How do you adjust the rears? Did you drill holes at the top so you can get to the adjuster?
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2014 | 01:26 AM
  #24  
MarioKart's Avatar
MarioKart
Thread Starter
|
Vendor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 117
From: Ventura, CA
Originally Posted by squawSkiBum
How do you adjust the rears? Did you drill holes at the top so you can get to the adjuster?
The fronts are 18 adjustable from the top, super easy. I didn't drill from the top for the rears and KW doesn't sell a remote style coil. I played with the front and back height, and rebound/comp for three days. I think I had the rear Coilovers completely in and out close to a dozen times. I have become very good and removing the rear Coilovers, got it down to 18 minutes. ). Since I don't track the car, I don't see a need to adjust them anymore
Thanks Mario

Sent from my iPhone Office
 
Attached Thumbnails Installed KW V2's on GP2-image-3406406932.jpg   Installed KW V2's on GP2-image-703962158.jpg   Installed KW V2's on GP2-image-1347673305.jpg  
__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2014 | 08:44 PM
  #25  
squawSkiBum's Avatar
squawSkiBum
Moderator
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 341
From: San Francisco Bay Area
Thanks for the explanation. I'm planning on going to the track 4-6 times/year, so I need to be able to easily adjust. I don't like the idea of drilling holes in the body to be able to adjust the rears, so I need rears that adjust from the botton which leaves me with either PSS10s or Ohlins as the only possibilities. Enjoy your GP2!
 
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:41 AM.